Geren, Ellis options exercised

The A’s announced Monday that they’ve picked up manager Bob Geren’s option for the 2009 season and second baseman Mark Ellis’ $5 million option for 2008.

Even though the A’s will finish under .500 for the first time in nine years, GM Billy Beane is pleased with the job Geren has done, especially in light of the many injuries the team has had this year, with the disabled list used 22 times.

“Under trying circumstances, Bob has done a marvelous job,” Beane said of the first-year manager.

Ellis set a franchise record for homers by a second baseman this season, as well as an RBI mark forOakland second basemen.

“Technically, we didn’t have to pick this up until November, but give it was a fait accompli, it seemed like a better gesture to do it now,” Beane said.